(4) Run around at Southpoint Mall

The Southpoint Mall is great place to stretch your legs and grab some grub at the food court (American Meltdown is now there!) or catch a movie. There’s also a indoor play area geared towards smaller kiddos.

(5) Discover a book at the Durham County Library

Our favorite branch is the Southwest Regional. They also have a train table and coloring station for the kids. We’re eagerly awaiting the renovated downtown Main library!

Durham Garden Center

(6) Pick out some plants at Durham Garden Center

Have them pick out a plant they can take care of! Whether you’re a gardener or a plant enthusiast that can’t keep anything green alive, Durham Garden Center is for you. Not only are they super friendly and helpful when you pop in, they also host educational workshops and many of them are FREE! Bonus: Use your Shop Durham card to get 10% off your purchase.

(7) Roller Skate at Wheels Fun Park

Notasium is an indoor music-based play space. There’s a climbing wall, interactive music exhibits, and a bounce house. Free wi-fi for you and a small coffee bar. Bonus: Get free open play with a trial music lesson using your Shop Durham card.

(9) Take a Durham Parks & Recreation Class

Durham Parks and Recreation has tons of great programs and class for kids of all ages to take advantage of. Like sewing, dance, tumbling, art, cooking and more. There are also workshops for teens and themed preschooler play days.

(12) Find something unique at Parker and Otis

Life would be much duller without Parker & Otis. I always find something so very ‘Durham’ here and a greeting card that makes me laugh out loud. They have a great toy section that will keep the kids busy. I always let my little guy have a special treat like a giant cookie and pick out a book.

Check out decades of Duke University’s athletic achievements showcased with visual and audio exhibits, theatre and trophies of national championships at the Duke Basketball Hall of Fame.

(16) Visit Duke Chapel

Duke Chapel is at the very center of the Duke University. You have to see its breathtaking beauty in person to truly appreciate it. It’s doors are open for you to visit 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Walk over to the Brodhead Center afterwards for lunch or dinner. It’s food court style with tons of great options. Not just for students!

The second Monday of each month you have an opportunity to tour DPAC! Check out behind-the-scenes, where the stars prepare for show time, and even the view from the stage. The tour begins at 11:00 a.m. and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Learn more here

DefyGravity is a 13,000 sq. ft. facility with wall-to-wall trampolines. There’s also a foam pit and one of the largest trampoline dodgeball cages in America. Great for big and small kids! There’s KidJump Times available for kiddos under 6.

A locally owned art supply and craft store that also has classes! You can drop in and do a craft with your little ones or if you need some time to yourself drop them off during Parents’ Morning Out! They have tons of classes available for all age range. Be sure to use your Shop Durham card to get 10% off retail purchases and Paint-it-yourself projects.